The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. -Luke 22:2 & 3, NIV
“Why not?”, he asked attentively, as if he waited for any response that would vindicate him. It was the wedding of the century! No other wedding before and after this one would answer to the elegant exuberance this wedding will shower upon this country!
“Well, sir…They are all busy.”
“Busy…With…What, my servant?”
The servant sighed. He wiped his brow full of sweat, as if he ran for his life and was ready to run back if necessary, slightly shuddered, and explained: “My liege, the first servant went to the rancher’s lot and sent his invitation. He dismissed it, saying he needed to try these five oxen he bought from Lebanon, and needed no interruptions before he could accept the invitation. He likely sent your regards, though, but your servant has suffered major injuries from the trampling oxen.
“The second servant learned that your other guest was not in his home. As you remember, sir, he married a beautiful woman from Lebanon, and is spending several months in her country, celebrating with her family. Your servant politely asked for one of his own servants to send word of the wedding to his remaining household, but he received a beating for no reason. Thankfully, sir, he is recovering successfully.
“Another servant, unfortunately, was not lucky. He sent the invitation to one of the Pharisee businessmen that was discussing the manipulation of political events with his Roman compatriots. His response…” The servant bowed his head and cried with his hands tight upon his chest.
The king was incensed! How could they, his best friends, neighbors, leaders, and kinsfolk, reject such a celebration at a time like this!? What would happen if his son and his wife suddenly discovered that no one came to support their most joyous union? He immediately summoned one of his generals and destroyed those houses for their lack of respect! All the money, time, joy, and tears…Wasted for their arrogance! He had no choice, but someone needed to celebrate with them!
Aflame with rejection and ready to burst, he opened the palace doors and windows to their widest, letting the musical revelry play for anyone who wanted to come. His son wanted a celebration —he deserved a celebration!
“Tell everybody to come!”, he ordered to his servant. “Tell everybody, everybody, that the kingdom is open for everyone! I may not know them, but I want them to come. Tell the whole world that the feast is about to begin!”